While Johnny Depp has only worked with Rob Marshall once, it was solidified that the “Pirates Of The Caribbean” franchise still had plenty of legs. Together, they helped ‘On Stranger Tides’ earn more than one billion worldwide, and now they’re hoping to work some magic again.
Depp is in talks to join Marshall’s brewing adaptation of the smash Broadway musical “Into The Woods.” The acclaimed, award-winning show will step right into Hollywood’s fairy-tale trend obsession, telling the dark, complex story of The Baker and The Baker’s Wife, who seek a way to lift a witch’s curse that has left them unable to have children. And along the way, they cross paths with folks like Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood. Last fall, it was reported that a bevy of talent was reading for roles, but this is the first time Depp’s name has come into the mix. Meryl Streep is still in talks to join as well and while this all sounds and fine and dandy, it remains to be seen when exactly it will shoot.
Depp’s slate is pretty full at the moment as this summer he’ll shoot both Wally Pfister‘s “Transcendence” and the mob flick “Black Mass,” and that’s on top of getting out there and hustling “Lone Ranger.” And he’s already got “Pirates Of The Caribbean 5” slated for release in 2015 which likely means a good chunk of his 2014 will be taken up as well. We can only imagine “Into The Woods” won’t be a small production, so some time will be needed to get it made.
So consider it an intriguing prospect for now — Depp + Streep + singing. And if both are on board, you can bet Disney will move mountains to make it happen. [Variety]